Jesús Owono given 12-match ban for tackle that resulted in Jesús de Miguel’s death
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono was suspended for 12 matches by the Spanish football federation after his challenge resulted in the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel.
The suspension was handed down by the Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee on Friday. Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, was sent off during a second division match on November 2 after colliding with De Miguel while attempting to clear an aerial ball. The 30-year-old Spanish forward was placed in intensive care and died the following day.
Disciplinary Decision
The committee justified the maximum sanction based on the referee's report, which stated Owono was sent off for 'violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play.' They noted that 'the tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesús de Miguel, is public knowledge.'
The assessment of the conduct under consideration in these proceedings must be based on the facts expressly recorded in the referee's report, which states that the player was sent off for 'violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play.'
Player's Response
Owono expressed profound grief over the incident, stating he was enduring 'the hardest days of my life.' He added: 'I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesús. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him.' FC Andorra head coach Carles Manso indicated Owono would decide when, if ever, he returns to football.
These are the hardest days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened.
Tributes and Investigation
Last Saturday, Tenerife held a memorial at their stadium for De Miguel, whose funeral was attended by approximately 400 mourners including Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. Meanwhile, Spanish police sources confirmed an investigation into the incident is underway under judicial supervision.
Related
